Visual Rhetoric

The two videos we watched from the recent political convention both showed huge amounts of support and love for the United States.  Both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney talked about past events that tug at the heart strings of almost every American.  Romney’s video makes a reference to the 9/11 accident and how people were afraid something even more terrible could happen.  People questioned whether or not the
United States would be able to put on the Olympic Games.  It was not only a public relations turn around, but a governmental turn around.  In Barack Obama’s video, he referenced the death of Osama Bin Laden.  His death made a huge impact on the United States and because it was during his presidency he got lots of credit for it.  By making references to past events, both videos made a point to show how the country has changed and what we can do to change it even more.  Both Obama and Romney include personal stories that also make a huge impact.  Romney talks about his wife, Ann, being diagnosed with MS and how much it changed his life.  He makes it a point to explain how much love he has for his wife, and knows they can get through anything together.  Obama mentions how his mother had cancer, and he saw first hand what it was like to have no money to support your family.  Both of the personal stories included in this video have nothing to do with what the president will do for our country, but it’s all a part of the campaign.  Stories that hit close to home with the majority of Americans will just bring in more support for both candidates.  Each video has a fairly even amount of ethos, pathos, and logos.  The videos were very well made and definitely show how much goes into the political campaign for each man.